One-Pan Ground Beef Pasta Recipe Every Busy Parent Needs

When you’re juggling a million things, the last thing you want is a complicated dinner that leaves your kitchen looking like a tornado hit it. That’s why one-pan meals are lifesavers for busy parents. Minimal prep, fewer dishes, and delicious results? Sign us up!

This One-Pan Ground Beef Pasta is a quick, budget-friendly meal that’s packed with flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you need an easy beef pasta recipe that your kids will love or a hearty quick pasta dinner recipe to fuel your busy evenings, this dish has got you covered.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything required to whip up this one-pot beef pasta masterpiece. Plus, we’ve listed substitutions in case you’re out of specific ingredients!

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Main Ingredients

• Ground Beef (1 lb): Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option, or try swapping it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version. If you prefer a vegetarian alternative, plant-based ground “meat” works well too.
• Pasta (2 cups, uncooked): Elbow macaroni, penne, or small shells are all great choices as they hold the sauce beautifully. For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free pasta or whole wheat pasta make excellent substitutes without sacrificing flavor or texture.
• Crushed Tomatoes (14 oz): This is the base of your rich, flavorful sauce. If you don’t have crushed tomatoes on hand, diced tomatoes or tomato sauce can be used, and you can even blend the diced tomatoes for a smoother consistency. For added depth, consider fire-roasted tomatoes.
• Beef Broth (3 cups): This not only adds rich flavor to the dish but also helps cook the pasta to tender perfection as it simmers. If beef broth isn’t available, vegetable or chicken broth work just as well, and they can slightly alter the flavor profile to suit your preferences.
• Onion (1 medium, diced): Sweet or yellow onions are the most versatile for cooking and bring a subtle sweetness to the dish. If you’re in a pinch, a sprinkle of onion powder can work, though freshly diced onion always delivers a better texture and flavor.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh minced garlic brings a bold, aromatic quality to the dish, enhancing the sauce’s depth. If you’re short on time, garlic powder is a quick and convenient substitute, though it won’t have quite the same robust flavor. Consider using roasted garlic for an extra layer of flavor.

Seasoning & Extras

• Olive Oil (1 tbsp): To sauté the onions and garlic. Substitute with avocado or canola oil.
• Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): A blend of herbs for that signature pasta flavor. Add extra oregano or basil if you’d like.
• Salt & Black Pepper (to taste): Season and adjust as necessary.
• Cheddar or Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup, shredded): For topping! Parmesan can take things up a notch.

Optional Additions

• Vegetables: Toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a satisfying ground beef pasta dish that hits the spot every time.

Step 1: Sauté the Beef

1. Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Add 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil, ensuring the pan is evenly coated to prevent sticking. Allow the oil to heat up slightly before adding any ingredients.
2. Sauté the diced onions until they become soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent them from burning and ensure even cooking. The onions should release a sweet, fragrant aroma as they cook.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Immediately add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart into smaller pieces with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks. This helps the beef cook evenly.
4. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure all sides of the beef are fully cooked. If the beef releases too much fat, carefully drain any excess to prevent the sauce from becoming greasy. This step will ensure the final dish has a clean, flavorful finish.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

1. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, ensuring the tomatoes thoroughly coat the beef and onions for even flavor distribution. Use a spoon to scrape up any browned bits at the bottom of the pan, as they add extra flavor to the sauce.
2. Add Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper to the pan. Feel free to add additional herbs like dried basil or oregano if you want extra depth of flavor. Mix everything together thoroughly so the spices and seasoning can infuse the sauce.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. This allows the flavors to meld together. Taste the sauce at this stage and adjust the seasoning if needed—perhaps a pinch more salt or a dash of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. Pour the uncooked pasta directly into the skillet. Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best for this recipe as they hold the sauce well. Use a spoon to ensure the pasta is fully coated in the sauce and evenly distributed throughout the pan.
2. Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the pasta cook for 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure every piece cooks evenly.
3. Keep an eye on the consistency of the sauce as the pasta absorbs the liquid. If the sauce begins to reduce too quickly, add a splash of water or beef broth to maintain a rich, saucy consistency. Do a quick taste test after 10 minutes to ensure the pasta is tender but not overcooked.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

1. Once the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the sauce, reduce the heat to low and sprinkle shredded cheese generously across the top. For the best results, use a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for a rich, gooey texture and nutty flavor. Feel free to add extra cheese if you prefer a cheesier dish!
2. Cover the skillet again and let it cook for 1–2 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and is bubbling slightly. The heat will also help the flavors meld together even more. For an extra golden, bubbly cheese topping, place the skillet under a broiler for 1–2 minutes (if your skillet is oven-safe).

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Spoon the pasta into bowls or plates and serve it hot, making sure everyone gets a generous helping of that gooey, cheesy topping in their portion. The comforting aroma of the dish will make it hard to wait!
2. Pair with a fresh side salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette or a warm slice of garlic bread to create a complete dinner. For added flair, garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. If you like a little heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy this hearty, comforting dish with friends or family. Don’t forget to save any leftovers—they’ll taste just as delicious the next day!

Variations to Try

This versatile recipe can be customized to satisfy any preferences or dietary needs.

• Vegetarian: Skip the ground beef and use plant-based crumbles or lentils for a hearty alternative.
• Low-Carb: Use zucchini noodles instead of pasta and reduce the broth by half.
• Kid-Friendly: Use milder spices or skip the garlic to cater to picky eaters. Adding a drizzle of ketchup at the end is also a kid-pleaser!
• Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in a blend of cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese for an ultra-creamy texture.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect in one serving (based on six servings):

• Calories: ~400
• Protein: 25g
• Carbs: 35g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 4g

These numbers may vary slightly depending on ingredient substitutions.

Make Your Busy Evenings Delicious and Stress-Free

This One-Pan Ground Beef Pasta isn’t just an answer to “What’s for dinner?”—it’s a solution for busy families craving comfort food made effortlessly. With minimal prep and cleanup, this dish gives you more time to spend doing what really matters.

Well-fed families and clean kitchens? Now that’s a win-win.

Try it out tonight and see why this quick pasta dinner recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. Have your own variations to share or feedback on the recipe? Drop your comments below—we’d love to hear from you!